What’s New?
In our second issue of 2020, we give you the tools to decide whether to terminate a construction contract for cause. In addition, you will learn about how your company can avoid becoming entangled with disadvantaged business entity fraud. You will also receive a refresher course on Pennsylvania’s Construction Notices Directory and how it may affect mechanics’ lien rights on your project. In the Q&A, you will hear from our newest partners in DC, Shanlon Wu and Julie Grohovsky.
As a reminder, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, we welcome you to reach out to us with any concerns to help you navigate these challenging times.
Christopher W. Sexton, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Sydney Pierce, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Cohen Seglias COVID-19 Resources Page
As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic evolve, the rules are changing every day as federal, state, and local lawmakers issue new regulations, restrictions, and reporting requirements. Cohen Seglias attorneys are closely monitoring the legal and regulatory landscape to provide clients and contacts with up-to-date information and advice. To view a full list of our resources, visit cohenseglias.com/covid-19.
Cohen Seglias Announces Merger with DC-Based Firm Wu/Grohovsky PLLC
We are excited to announce the addition of Shanlon Wu and Julie Grohovsky as partners in our Washington, DC office.
Shanlon Wu represents clients in white collar, criminal, and higher education matters. A former federal prosecutor, Shan uses his in-depth knowledge of government investigations and trial experience to advise individuals, businesses, and students on their most pressing legal challenges. Shan has tried more than twenty-five cases to jury verdict, argued appellate cases in state and federal court, litigated complex commercial cases, and counseled clients at all stages of criminal and civil investigations.
Shan’s white collar practice involves advising individuals and companies facing investigations and prosecutions for federal and state criminal violations. He has also established himself as a resource for college and university students and their parents/guardians in the face of potential disciplinary proceedings or criminal investigations brought by their institution.
An accomplished trial lawyer, Julie Grohovsky has investigated hundreds of cases, tried over forty cases to verdict, and argued appellate cases before both state and federal courts. Julie draws on her experience as a federal prosecutor to represent crime victims in criminal, civil, and Title IX proceedings, as well as whistleblowers who bring cases under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA) or other laws with whistleblower provisions. She advises individuals—particularly government workers—in investigations conducted by Inspector General’s Offices and the Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility. In addition, Julie regularly represents individuals and businesses involved in white collar criminal investigations.
Cohen Seglias Ranked in Chambers USA 2020
We are pleased to announce that Cohen Seglias is recognized in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the preeminent legal ranking of attorneys and law firms. The firm’s Construction Group is once again named a leading practice in Pennsylvania and for the first time, our New Jersey construction practice is similarly recognized.
The publication notes five attorneys for their outstanding work in the construction field: Michael McKenna joins Roy Cohen, Edward Seglias, George Pallas, and Jason Copley as those ranked this year. The group represents the largest number of Cohen Seglias attorneys recognized by Chambers USA. To view the full listing, please visit the Chambers and Partners website.
Cohen Seglias Ranked Sixth in Construction Executive’s “The Top 50 Construction Law Firms® of 2020”
We are proud to announce that our firm has moved into the sixth spot (up from eighth in 2019) in the latest national rankings in Construction Executive’s “The Top 50 Construction Law Firms® of 2020.” Construction Executive, a leading industry publication, surveyed hundreds of law firms with dedicated construction practices throughout the United States. Factors in the rankings covered the general scope and breadth of the firm’s construction practice, including the number of construction attorneys; the number of states in which the firm is licensed to practice; and the year in which the construction practice was established.
Cohen Seglias Attorneys Present at NASCC: The Virtual Steel Conference
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) recently hosted its annual conference (this time, virtually!), and a number of Cohen Seglias partners presented on some key construction issues.
In George Pallas’ webinar “Change Orders: How to Avoid Making Their Problems Your Problems,” he provided best practices and key considerations for managing change orders. Partners Edward Seglias and Jason Copley, along with Associate Matthew Skaroff, provided guidance on design-assist, delegated design, and informal involvement in the webinar “The State of Design-Assist, Ground-Breaking Collaborative Project Delivery Method or Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?” The leaders of the firm’s Construction Contracts & Risk Management Group, John Greenhall, Jonathan Cass, and Lisa Wampler, addressed COVID-19-related contract and insurance issues in “Your COVID-19 Construction Contract and Insurance Questions Answered!”
We Moved! New Washington, DC Office
Please update your records for this office.
900 Seventh Street, NW
Suite 725
Washington, DC 20001
P: 202.466.4110
F: 202.466.2693